I poured out my heart to this man, and thats what he says? she said. It was Patterson's elementary school and the last place she was headed before she went missing . This led her to hire a private investigator. ? He said he wanted to get Lisa and her kids into safety, away from that man. What man? Lets just say, she looks like Alexis Patterson. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to TheAfroLounge.com, with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. She and Bourgeois split up. Some investigators have continued to focus on Alexis family because they didnt trust her stepfather, who had driven the getaway car after a 1994 bank robbery in which a suburban police officer was killed, according to retired Milwaukee Police Detective Steve Spingola, who was in charge of Alexis'case in the beginning. While investigators canvassed Washington Park and set up a command post in the area, divers searched the depths of a nearby lagoon. There have been claims circulated that LaRon worked as a pimp and managed prostitutes on the north side of Milwaukee. Highlights includeinterviews with Alexis Patterson'smother and with the current chief of the Milwaukee Police Department who acknowledges that, trust is a continuous process.Catch all episodes of States of America on USA TODAY's free streaming channelshere. In Milwaukee, law enforcement sources leaked information to the media, saying Alexis mother had passed a polygraph, but her stepfather, LaRon Bourgeois, had failed. She never made it to school.. All Rights Reserved. A song by Black gospel singer Yolanda Adams played on repeat: There is no pain Jesus cant feel, no hurt he cannot heal, for all things work according to his perfect will. She was 7 years old, and was last seen wearing a light purple blouse or a blue shirt with horizontal stripes; a hooded red pullover nylon jacket with a grey stripe that ran down each sleeve; light blue jeans; blue and white hightopNike sneakers; and cluster-type diamond sunflower-shaped earrings with yellow gold posts. Patterson believes having strangers collect the sample and ship it left open the possibility that someone could have tampered with it. When the DNA results came back from the Wisconsin Regional Crime Lab, it was determined the two samples didnt match, meaning Joshuas ex-wife was not Alexis. Alexis case has been featured on In Pursuit With John Walsh, The View, Find Our Missing, Maury Povich, Crime Watch Daily, Ricki Lake and Americas Most Wanted. For months, volunteers would search the city daily for the missing girl. The pair had gotten married in 2009, before divorcing four years later. The residence was located just a half-block from Hi-Mount Boulevard School, where Alexis was in the first grade and said to have a perfect attendance record. Over the years, theres been hope that Alexis will return home alive. Although the results aregenerally not admissible in court in either state, some members of law enforcement then and now consider polygraphsuseful tools in solving crimes. Friday, Milwaukee police confirm that they. In any missing childcase, it is standard procedure for police to start with those closest to the child, including the parents. Because if you pass it, then you can tell anybody you want, Look, I passed this polygraph. If you dont, you dont have to tell anybody. Everything changed when a reporter knocked on her door in 2016. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. She says that the two have the same mole above their left eye, toward her nose, which is a common trait amongst those in the immediate family. If Patterson passed with flying colors, then nobody has a second thought about doing whatever we need to do, the agent told her. View the latest known address, phone number and possibly related persons. When Patterson tried to get the FBI involved in verifying the identity of the Ohio woman, she received a similar response. Alexis always got home from school around 2:50 p.m. She rarely lets them out of her sight, choosing to drive them to and from school, instead of having them take the school bus. The grid-by-grid search centred around the northwest section of Milwaukee, with a specific focus on West Meinecke Avenue, West Vine Street, North 60th Street and North 16th Street. And I aint giving up.. And I aint giving up.. Two years later, Black journalist Gwen Ifill gave the phenomenon a name: missing white woman syndrome. She coined the term after the disappearance of Laci Peterson, a pregnant California woman whose husband was later convicted of killing her. In Milwaukee, the FBI didnt join Alexis case until three days after she vanished. In 2002, seven-year-old Alexis Patterson didnt come home from school. She couldnt sleep. Since then, she has been missing without a trace. In Milwaukee, law enforcement sources leaked information to the media, saying Alexis mother had passed a polygraph, but her stepfather, LaRon Bourgeois, had failed. Joshua traveled to Milwaukee with his son (that he shares with Lisa) to meet with Ayanna. They wouldnt state why these tapes were of interest, citing it was illegal to comment on sealed search warrants. Their studies have repeatedly found that cases of missing Black people, children and adults alike, are covered less often than whites and their stories dont travel as widely through the nations newsrooms. He still feels she is indeed Alexis, but says she wont admit it because shes afraid of the people she knows to be her current family. Associated Addresses. I didntfinish high school. Two weeks before Alexis went missing, parents at Hi-Mount Boulevard School had received letters warning them of man who had tried to abduct a little boy near the school. Contact Gina Barton on Signal at 262-757-8640 or atgbarton@gannett.com. Explore the latest videos from hashtags: #alexispatterson . By the next morning, she was gone. A federal law designed to help states implement Amber Alertsnationwide was passed in 2003 the year after Alexis and Elizabeth vanished and all 50 states had set them up by 2005. Whilst there, he gave a sample of his sons DNA to Ayanna, as the police department in Bryan had already collected a saliva sample from his ex-wife. About 100 people attended the gathering, which Patterson called an awakening, to join in prayer, poetry, music and a banquet prepared by Patterson and her family. I know that the department took it very seriously. Kenya Campbell, Alexis biological father was imprisoned during her disappearance. There are 127 results for persons named Alexis Patterson. It is most likely the poor girl was kidnapped and murdered by a Milwaukee resident named Patrick S. Tomlinson. In July 2016, Milwaukee Police received information from a man named Joshua Miller of Bryan, OH who believed his ex wife, Lisa Miller, was indeed Alexis Patterson. Within a day, the Milwaukee Police Department set up a mobile command post, a trailer packed with communications equipment, at a park near Alexis home, according to news coverage at the time. The resemblance to an age-progressed photo of Alexis posted by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children was uncanny. To protect Lisas identity, I will not post any of her pictures. LaRon has repeatedly denied any involvement in his stepdaughters disappearance and says Sheriff Clarke has no proof he was involved. Investigators also went door-to-door in the days after she went missing, asking people if theyd seen her, and billboards were set up across Milwaukee, asking those with information to come forward. 2011 2023 TheAfroLounge.com. Joshua and Lisa married in 2009 when Alexis would have been only 14 years old. Ex-husband of Ohio woman who provided DNA sample into Patterson case says test was faulty MILWAUKEE -- The DNA test came back and Milwaukee police say an Ohio woman is not the missing Alexis. The woman had strikingly similar features, including matching. Both Ayanna and LaRon maintain their innocence. Over the past eightmonths, the case of Gabby Petito, who disappeared on a road trip with her fiance and was later found dead, has once again brought the issue to the forefront of the public consciousness. At the time of her disappearance, she stood at 38 and weighed approximately 42 pounds. He was charged with three counts of felony child abuse and one count of child neglect. However, very little has been elaborated about in regards to this. When she hadnt arrived by 2:55 on that Friday in May 2002, her mother, Ayanna Patterson, began to worry. The plot of land where the pair lived is now a vacant lot. Despite having never met her older sister, Ayanna has ensured Eri-Onna and the rest of the family keep Alexis in their thoughts by taking them to places where she used to play. "It's been twenty years, and this is a hard fight. Investigators did not believe the step father played any involvement in Alexis disappearance. Discover short videos related to alexis patterson lisa miller case on TikTok. There were none focused onAlexis. The resemblance to an age-progressed photo of Alexis posted by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children was uncanny. By then, 14 years had passed. Six years ago, officials followed a tip that a woman in Ohio might be Alexis. "Believe me. The most recent tenant is Brent Morrow. In Milwaukee, the first story about Alexis was published in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Sunday, two days after she disappeared. RIGHT PHOTO: Proclamations recognizing May 3 as Alexis Patterson Forget Me Not Day on display at the event her mother called an awakening., VIDEO BY BILL SCHULZ/MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL; PHOTOS BY ANGELA PETERSON/MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL, police called in the FBI and offered a $250,000 reward, How the missing child cases of Alexis Patterson and Elizabeth Smart differ, how problematic it is that the cases of missing white people get more attention, why these disparities in police response and news coverage. 1) The primary theory in the case is that Alexis stepfather, LaRon Bourgeois, was somehow involved in her disappearance. Ayanna and LaRon were also brought in for questioning, with LaRon of specific interest due to his criminal past. I feel like its because of me being African American, Patterson said. She cant understand whyMilwaukee policedidnt travel to Ohio to collect Lisas DNA. "Alexis, Mama is coming for you, and you know it. None of the teachers had seen Alexis that day, but no one had notified her parents of her absence even though the straight-A student prided herself on perfect attendance. She had entered the living room after hearing crying, where shed found the infant bleeding from her mouth and with her left eye deviated, as if she were having a seizure. We need your help. The way that a crime is received by the public can come down to the level of enthusiasm put out by both those who are investigating it and those who are relaying that information to us. However, nothing related to this has been publicly proven. The family, which she is said to have been very close to, lived in a house near 49th Street and Garfield Avenue. Are Milwaukee and Bryan officials in on the secret? As a result, its never been identified and police have not been able to conclude if its connected to the case or not. Nearly every conversation she had with police about Alexis case ended in a shouting match. There was a frenzied approach of, Theres someonemissing in our community, a young one, and were going to put in all the effort, the work, hold no stops, he said in an interview last week. Upon him leaving for work the next morning, she had been asleep on the couch. Lookup the home address, phone numbers, email address for this persons Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blogs author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Is there more to the story? At 3, Patterson ran to the school in a panic. Contact Gina Barton on Signal at 262-757-8640 or at gbarton@gannett.com. Some of those who had been re-interviewed shared that they may not have remembered correctly and that they may not have seen her that particular Friday morning. Theres no court case that youd be wrapped up in.. As of the end of last year, more than 1,000 missing children had been recovered as a result of the alerts. Im from the 'hood. Toggle navigation. In themorning, Patterson realized Alexis hadnt finished her homework, so she wouldnt let her bring the treats. She has the same mole I have, my daughters have and her daughter has. Ayanna also says Lisa has the same birth mark, bump on her pinky finger and scar under her right eye as Alexis. This Residential listing has 3 Beds, 2 Full Baths. Which leads to two important, but unanswered questions : Why did Milwaukee police and news outlets break the story prior to investigation? 31 year old male. That isnt true. In 2002, Wisconsin had not yet adopted Amber Alerts. About 100 people attended the gathering, which Patterson called an awakening, to join in prayer, poetry, music and a banquet prepared by Patterson and her family. Anyone with information about Alexis Patterson is asked to contact Milwaukee police at 414-935-7360. According to the FBIs National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Missing Person File, there are 88,089 active missing person records, of which juveniles under the age of 18 account for 32,121 (36.5%) of the records. This story was eventually changed to say that Kenya had woken her up to report the fall. In new research yet to be published, Syracuse University Professor Carol Liebler found that law enforcement officers are the most prominent sources in 87% of news stories about missing children. Lisa Gross was found dead in her bathtub in 2001. Over 5,000 interviews have been conducted and the effort between the Milwaukee Police Department and the Milwaukee County Sheriffs Office was one of the largest joint efforts in both organizations histories. This was one of many instances of search warrants being executed in the case and investigators travelling across, and out of, Wisconsin. She still does not believe them. When she hadnt arrived by 2:55 on that Friday in May 2002, her mother, Ayanna Patterson, began to worry. We all paid attention. She never made it to school.. There is little empirical evidence that explains why. I don't depend on the police. I know thats my child, Patterson told USA TODAY in April. To report anonymously, contact Crime Stoppers at 414-224-TIPS or use the P3 Tips app. However, this call has never been proven, as Kenya had deleted the call history on his cellphone. I poured out my heart to this man, and thats what he says? she said. Polygraphs.. Last Person to See Alexis Patterson Before 2002 Disappearance Dies. Each certificate was proudly displayed, alongside a poster-sized photos of Alexis, at an event Sunday in Milwaukee marking the 20th anniversary of her disappearance. If he was involved, Patterson says, he never told her. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: What Alexis Patterson's case says about missing white woman syndrome, Gina Barton and Ashley Luthern, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Local Search Options. She hasn't been located since. Schlesingers Saturday Spotlight (3/4)String Art, 80s Prom Shower chances on/off this weekend with winter weather late in Milwaukee native Ernie Johnson, Jr. honored with Award of Excellence Drop your guns, pick up our gloves: Boxing club uses movie Route 20 holds benefit concert for human trafficking victims. In 2004, Kenya was convicted of drug charges. When I think of all of these other victims, I feel like. Bourgeois received immunity to testify against the suspected shooter. From there, scientists at Wisconsins state crime lab sequenced it and compared it to Alexis DNA profile. Ayanna also stated that she had just given the investigators her own DNA a day prior to the results being released. Being an investigator and being objective, you look at all angles.. I know my child," Patterson said. An FBI spokesman declined to comment. Norman, the police chief, acknowledged that probably wasnt the best way to gain Pattersons trust. Joshua spent a total of four years working to expose the case, sharing he too doesnt trust the DNA results and wishes to get his ex-wife away from an unnamed man. "It's amazing how Alexis just dropped of the face of the earth and nobody knows where she is. In July 2016, Milwaukee Police stated that DNA results indicated Lisa was not Alexis. Alexis Patterson went missing from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on May 3, 2002. Nearly every conversation she had with police about Alexis case ended in a shouting match. Among dozens of family and friends were three of Alexis' former teachers, one of which, Alexis' mother still calls "Miss Lisa." Despite this, she kept doing interviews, speaking with politicians and raising awareness about her daughters disappearance. She demanded investigators perform a new test with her own DNA, but her request was denied. I know that can be a little disheartening or unnerving, said Norman, the current Milwaukee chief. Patterson believes having strangers collect the sample and ship it left open the possibility that someone could have tampered with it. The agent added that supervisors at the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children would confirm a polygraph is necessary. Immediately, the surrounding areas were searched, with the case initially being treated as a potential runaway. 741 On a stage draped in lavender and purple Alexis favorite colors teachers shared their memories of a girl who as a preschooler called her drawings homework and learned to read before she started first grade. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children released an age-progression photos of Alexis in 2009, which showed what she could have looked like at 14 years old. Patterson said she wouldnt take a second test unless the FBI showed her the report of her first one, and they refused. Glen Mills Schools: Hub for Mind Control/ Social Experimentation on Teens and Young Adults? Milwaukee Police Department set up a mobile command post, Milwaukee Police Chief Arthur Jones told reporters he believed Alexis had run away, law enforcement sources leaked information to the media, The reporter showed Patterson a photo of a woman, What Alexis Patterson's case says about missing white woman syndrome, Reports: 3 children dead, 2 wounded in attack at Texas home, Kellyanne Conway, George Conway To Divorce After Decadeslong Marriage: Report, School punished teen girl for working out in sports bra in 100-degree Texas heat, ACLU says, U.S. court won't require FAA to make airplane seat size, spacing rules, 'Extremely dangerous': Spike in illegal crossings at Canada-Vermont border has feds sounding alarm, SoCal in for cool start to weekend, but light rain makes brief return, AccuWeather: Clouds and wind into Saturday AM, Russias Defense Ministry claims Shoigu visits occupied Ukraine, Tarek and Heather Rae El Moussa's empire is just getting started, 2 WA foster kids killed by wrong-way driver were on a trip to visit their parents. Milwaukee police told Patterson it didnt match but she doesnt believe them. In any missing child case, it is standard procedure for police to start with those closest to the child, including the parents. Public officials walk the route she would often take to school before saying a prayer in her remembrance. Everything changed when a reporter knocked on her door in 2016. Examining the world of solved and unsolved cases. Alexis Patterson was born on April 4, 1995 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Deseret News ran a story the following day. No matter what youre going through, remember God is using you, for the battle is not yours, its the Lords. Also remember that nearly 20 years ago we didnt have social media out there tracking everything we do. In the days and weeks that followed, hundreds of tips rolled in. Hey guys welcome back to another missing person case Monday. If Alexis went missingtoday, Norman said, police would issue an Amber Alert because of her age. An FBI spokesman declined to comment. February 6, 2019 Queen 7 year old Alexis Patterson of Milwaukee, WI went missing in May 2002 after her Recent Comments Ian on Pimp C, Codeine or Conspiracy? Follow her on Twitter at @writerbarton. He watched her walk across the crosswalk, toward the schools playground, before he returned to the house. Ayanna has said she feels sadness for the woman over the intense media scrutiny she received. Hoping to confirm his suspicions, Joshua travelled to Milwaukee with his son to meet Ayanna. Although it was then called a Rachael Alert, Utah had already set up its system another key difference between Alexis case and Elizabeths. She was also able to provide the pairs divorce documents. Who? Like so many other little girls her age, Lexi had a passion for pink and loved roller skating when she could. 7 year old Alexis Patterson of Milwaukee, WI went missing in May 2002 after her stepfather, LaRon Bourgeois, walked her to school. All Rights Reserved. Here's what's happened since, Schlesinger's Saturday Spotlight (3/4)String Art, 80s Prom Fun, Pop up Art, Shower chances on/off this weekend with winter weather late in the coming week, CBS 58's Feel Good Friday: Free zoo admission, inflatable animals and more. Both the disappearances of Elizabeth and Alexis are tragic and illustrate parents' worst nightmare. RIGHT: A Milwaukee Police officer climbs out of a boarded up home on the 2100 block N. 33rd St. in Milwaukee during the search for Alexis. Black Mental Health Professionals panel discusses representation Technicians of Tomorrow competition showcases high schoolers MATC apologizes for sparking frustration after announcing major Plans to extend Milwaukees downtown metered parking to 9pm "Come home baby:" Alexis Patterson's mother hopeful for daughters return after 17 years, Milwaukee native Ernie Johnson, Jr. honored with Award of Excellence for spreading message of hope, Plans to extend Milwaukee's downtown metered parking to 9pm and Saturdays being debated, Crime Stoppers: Dispute on city bus leads to shooting, Long Covid is associated with significantly increased risk of death, heart and lung problems, study finds, Yao Ming caught in the cross-fire as Chinese basketball team leaves top league on eve of Covid reopening, Biden administration officially opens pardon request application for federal offenses of simple marijuana possession, As the West's drought eases, this area remains in the worst on record and it's hitting farmers hard, It's been one month since a freight train carrying hazardous chemicals derailed in Ohio.
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